This was the biggest pre-Thanksgiving weekend yet, featuring four new releases that received at least a decent sampling. People flocked to see Jim Carrey in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The Christmas comedy drew $55.1 million at 3,127 locations, which was the biggest opening yet for a children's book adaptation as well as for a Christmas movie. Animated sequel Rugrats in Paris: The Movie came in second with $22.7 million at 2,934 locations, which was a step down from its predecessor but solid nonetheless. The 6th Day generated $13 million at 2,516 locations, which was flabby for Arnold Schwarzenegger, continuing his fade-out from movie stardom. Ben Afflect-Gwyneth Paltrow drama Bounce posted a surprisingly decent $11.4 million at 1,918 locations. • Weekend Chart

The James Bond franchise was revived with Pierce Brosnan's debut as the character. GoldenEye raked in $26.2 million at 2,667 locations, which was easily a franchise-best start, even in terms of estimated attendance. Jim Carrey's Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls collapsed by 48 percent but still made $19.5 million for a strong $65 million in ten days. A good amount of people elected to see The American President, which garnered $10 million at 1,508 locations, but not that many were interested in The Olsen Twins' It Takes Two, which grossed $5.6 million at 1,581 locations. • Weekend Chart

The reigning champ entered the ring for the fifth time and was pummeled by a little kid. Home Alone surprised the industry, claiming the top spot with a sizable $17.1 million opening at 1,202 locations, while Rocky V disappointed with $14.1 million at 2,053 locations. Meanwhile, the mice of The Rescuers Down Under made nary a peep with $3.5 million at 1,230 locations. • Weekend Chart